Messi or Haaland? Fans divided on who deserves Ballon d’Or as City ace picks another award

Fans are divided on who between Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or after the Man City ace picked the UEFA Best Player Award on Thursday evening.

Haaland scooped the prestigious trophy ahead of a host of players after an impressive debut season with Manchester City.

The Norwegian hotshot was in fantastic shape last term and played a central role in City's triumph in the Champions League.

According to the Manchester City official website, the former Borussia Dortmund ace plundered an eyewatering 52 goals for the English champions, with 12 of those coming on the continental stage.

His spectacular goalscoring form in the continental showpiece saw him pick the UEFA Best Player Award on Thursday, August 31.

Messi to win Ballon d'Or award?

Haaland winning the UEFA accolade has left fans confused about who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or between him and Messi.

While some fans now contend it is written in the stars Messi will win a record eighth Ballon d'Or award, there are those who see Haaland as the clear favourite.

_@TheMahleek observed:

"Haaland won the UEFA player of the Year, that means Messi is winning the Ballon D’or."

_@Tunnykvng added:

"Haaland can win all these smaller awards but you see that Ballon d'Or, we know who has it."

_@Gbanger_Muizz posted:

"Nothing ! Absolutely nothing can stop Haaland from winning the Ballon D'or !"

_@TimelineCR7 tweeted:

"Lionel Messi not robbing an award for the first time ever and now hopefully Haaland wins the Ballon d'Or too which he deserves."

Meanwhile, Haaland beat a number of top players to cart home the prestigious UEFA award.

According to UEFA, Kevin De Bruyne and Lionel Messi were among the nominees for the accolade.